Hy-Vee: The "Haggen" of the Midwest?

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storewanderer
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Re: Hy-Vee: The "Haggen" of the Midwest?

Post by storewanderer »

Bakeragr wrote: January 22nd, 2025, 11:24 am The Wahlburgers concept may have been what Hy-Vee envisioned for their store locations, however that concept to me just doesn't match up with the way their customers actually use those dining rooms. I believe their dining areas are often used much like the way a Panera is used: a gathering place for small groups and a place to get a good meal but in and out quickly.
I sometimes would go and get Chinese at a Hy-Vee location because it is consistent and reasonably priced but then felt like I was intruding by eating in the dining room. It was as if I brought fast food into another restaurant or something.
I am glad that they are returning these dining areas to their intended format.

Now, I just wish that these grocery stores would return to having salad bars like they did pre-Covid. It was such a great way to get a healthier lunch option when you're traveling. Those salad bars were much appreciated in past jobs when I was away from home all week. It's not really easy to make a salad in your hotel room!
Dillon in Wichita still had salad bar in many stores a few months ago. I was surprised. It is still part of the produce department as far as what area of the store maintains it, but in the newer stores it is placed closer to the deli. The price is a bargain around 6.49/lb (Whole Foods is 12.99/lb).

I also had that kind of experience in some Hy Vee dine in areas around Kansas City; I bought hot food from whatever counter it was and went into the dining area. There were a couple large groups there who clearly spend 2-3 hours and I really felt like I needed to just consume what I had quickly and leave.

Earlier in the year I ate some Chinese food in the dining area at a Hy Vee somewhere in Iowa, this was one of the stores with the Wahlburgers conversion open, I was there around dinner, and there were no other patrons using the dining area.
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